About

Bio

From the introduction of his show to his closing regards, Jay makes connections with individuals, young or old, in the audiences across the nation where Jay has played.

Born in Duette, FL, on a 2,000 acre farm and ranch, Jay learned early the meaning of hard work and discipline from a supportive family and devout religion that has come in very handy since moving to Nashville, TN in January of 2008. Since moving to “Music City” Jay has played in over 40 states and several of Nashville’s famous venues including Tootsies Orchid Lounge, 3rd and Lindsley, and live on famous WSM 650 A.M. Recently, in the winter of 2012, Jay and his band hit the studio and in just a matter of days finished Jay’s self titled e.p.

“This was a labor of love, not much money was involved because it came at a hard time in my life personally, but everyone really buckled down and for those few days nothing else mattered except getting the best sound and songs we could for this project. I couldn’t be happier or more proud of what the guys (Jay’s Band) and myself accomplished. It’s a true testament of what really loving music can do”

says Taylor. Jay’s love for music and his career are urgent, passionate, dedicated and certainly humbling.

Jay has co-written every song on the album along with his band mates. His original music has many elements of his own musical influences such as George Strait, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, even subtle hints of Motown and Southern Gospel can be heard. His melodies are creations all his own. They certainly spring from his heart, for music has been religion for Jay, a relationship established by his family and church early in life. “I grew up singing in an old Southern Baptist church where my mom played piano and there was just something about her playing and singing that captured me, it still does to this day.” In fact, the song “One reason” on his latest e.p. was brought to life through the inspiration of gospel music, “it sounded like a gospel melody to me, and I fell in love with it”.

Jay was a small town guy singing gospel songs on Sundays in his church choir with his grandpa, grandma, father and mother when he realized his passion and his life’s new and adventurous possibilities. He buzzes constantly with a great sense of humor and tune on his lips. At age seventeen Jay received his first guitar and started taking his desire for country music much more seriously. With this he began writing his own songs, optimistically looking forward to his future career as a musician. At age 19 Jay received a tremendous boost when he auditioned for a contest called, “Florida Super Singer”, and, to make a long story short, out of 856 hopefuls, he won top honors. The unconventional road Jay has taken has had it’s share of disappointments and struggles but they have grounded Jay even more in the real world to shine more light on his passion and ambition. As a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice,” Jay experienced California and an entirely new music industry and found inspiration that materialized in his song “The Light.” Moving from the farm to the city, Jay has focused his every aspiration on song writing, on music and on the chance to connect with a larger crowd. The move to Nashville motivated his mental, and spiritual growth. Many people leave home to look out on the world and have it look back on them, to challenge their notions of the world and of themselves. “The Light,” connects with this most human aspiration and faith is the light.

With every ambition to support his music, he’s held jobs selling everything from time-shares to fishing rods. Until he became one of the lucky few who could do what he loves for a living, Jay still calls it hard work, culminating his craft and his knowledge of music.

Jay has played for every crowd, from the pews of his church to the crowds of 100s and 1000s at Busch Garden’s and the Florida Strawberry Festival. Jay’s plan now is to reach out across the south, playing every type of venue to share his original songs. With Jay’s strong unique vocals, his world class band’s distinct sound, Jay shares his life long love for music and connects with the crowd and every individual in the audience. Jay Taylor is guaranteed to leave a lasting mark on any stage he plays, a mark you definitely won’t want to miss.